Escape the summer heat at Ikebukuro Sunshine Aquarium

If you're looking for a relaxing spot to beat the heat in Tokyo, head to Ikebukuro Sunshine City Aquarium!

On a scorching summer day during your Tokyo trip, you might wonder where you can cool off. The sun is too intense outdoors, and staying in a café feels a bit dull. That’s when I spontaneously decided to visit the 'Ikebukuro Sunshine City Aquarium (サンシャイン水族館).'

✔ Unique structure combining indoor and outdoor spaces
✔ Exhibits that satisfy both families and couples
✔ Conveniently accessible via public transportation
✔ Perfect for summer! A cool and healing space

In short, this Tokyo aquarium is highly recommended for those wondering where to go on rainy or hot days.

🐟 Sunshine City Aquarium Basic Information
📍 Location
Rooftop of the World Import Mart Building, Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
🚉 Transportation
About 8–10 minutes on foot from the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station (JR/Tokyo Metro)
⏰ Operating Hours
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (subject to seasonal changes)
🎫 Admission Fees
Adults: ¥2,600 / Elementary & Middle School Students: ¥1,300 / Free for children under 4

🌞 Spontaneous Visit! What happened when I went at 4 PM on a weekend?
Honestly, I didn’t plan ahead. The weather in Tokyo was unbearably hot that day, and I was looking for a cool indoor spot. That’s when the aquarium came to mind.

✅ On-site Ticket Purchase
Ticket line: None!
Purchase time: Just 1 minute

I thought, "Are there fewer people than expected?" But once inside, it turned out to be quite crowded. Families with strollers, parents, and couples were all there.

However, the exhibition space didn’t feel cramped. You could easily navigate by taking a different route or changing directions, making it possible to enjoy the exhibits at your own pace.

🐧 Sunshine Aquarium’s Top 3 Exhibition Highlights
Flying Penguins
The highlight of this aquarium is found in the outdoor rooftop zone! The glass tank where penguins swim is set against the sky, creating the illusion that the penguins are flying. It’s a popular spot for taking photos 📸.

🪼 Jellyfish Zone
Watching jellyfish slowly drift in dim lighting feels almost meditative. The cool and quiet atmosphere clears your mind.

🪸 Underwater Tunnel & Large Tank
The main exhibition area features tropical fish, sharks, and rays. Walking through the underwater tunnel that extends to the ceiling is a truly unique experience.

✨ Other attractions include small tropical fish, reptiles, otters, pelicans, and more.

⏱ How much time should you spend here?
I entered around 4 PM and spent about an hour exploring.
• The layout is simple, making it easy to complete a full circuit.
• Despite the crowd, you can pause and enjoy the exhibits leisurely.
• Families with kids might spend 1.5–2 hours exploring interactive zones and reading explanations.

🙋🏻 Recommended for:
✔ Those looking for a cool indoor spot on a hot day
✔ Families searching for kid-friendly attractions in Tokyo
✔ Couples seeking a romantic date spot
✔ Travelers wanting to visit multiple locations in one day
✔ Anyone wondering where to go on a rainy day